Chapter 23: The Reason

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation flowed more freely. Wang Zhitao was the first to vent his frustrations about Huang Wei.

"Xiuyuan, I’m not one to talk behind people’s backs, but you really need to be careful with Huang Wei. He doesn’t know how to do anything else, but he spends his entire day hovering around the leadership. You’ll see for yourself soon enough; it’s truly—"

As Wang Zhitao spoke, Li Xiuyuan seized the opportunity to dig deeper. "Brother Wang, what do you mean by that? He seems quite enthusiastic to me." Li Xiuyuan played the part of the naive newcomer.

"Enthusiastic? Ha! He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. When I first arrived, he was always making me do his work, tasks that weren't even in my job description. I didn't think much of it at the time and just did them. But then, when a problem arose—a mistake that was clearly his own—he pinned it on me, claiming I was the one who did it. It’s like, goddamn it, whenever there’s credit to be claimed, it’s his, but whenever there’s a mistake, it’s mine..."

As Wang Zhitao ranted, Li Xiuyuan feigned shock, though he kept a close watch on Li Boyang out of the corner of his eye. Li Boyang, however, looked entirely unsurprised, as if this were a common occurrence.

"I can't believe such things happen. You really can't judge a book by its cover. Thank you both for the warning. Let me toast you." Li Xiuyuan downed another glass, wiped his mouth, and after a moment of contemplation, finally broached the subject he had been building toward all evening.

"By the way, there’s another thing. Brother Wang, Brother Li, I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but today was my first time meeting Section Chief Qu, so why do I feel like he has some sort of grievance against me?"

Li Xiuyuan stared intently at Wang and Li. Wang Zhitao looked puzzled, but Li Boyang wore an expression of knowing.

"Little Li, there are some things I probably shouldn't tell you, but I think you’re a decent guy. You came with me when I called you for lunch, you’re hosting us for dinner, and I can tell from how you drink that you’re a straightforward person. So, I’ll tell you the truth."

"Please, Brother Li, I’m listening," Li Xiuyuan said, nodding quickly. He had been laying the groundwork since noon, and he was finally getting the answer he wanted.

"The truth is, very few people know this, but I heard it by chance. Section Chief Qu has a nephew working at a township government office. Qu had been planning to transfer him into the County Government Office. He did a lot of maneuvering for this, even pulling strings with Director Pang. It looked like a done deal, but when the county was finalizing the personnel plan for the year and submitting it upward, the County Magistrate—our top leader—casually mentioned that the office was short-staffed and that they should submit a name."

"As a result, Section Chief Qu's nephew's spot was bumped. You could say that no matter who ended up in that position, Section Chief Qu would have had an issue with them. It’s not just you he’s targeting."

Once Li Boyang explained this, Li Xiuyuan understood immediately. It was an unprovoked disaster, but he had no idea what it had to do with him.

"In that case, Brother Li, what should I do?" Li Xiuyuan asked, seeking advice.

Li Boyang shook his head. "This situation is tricky. It could be easy to resolve, or it could be impossible. Right now, Section Chief Qu is definitely still testing you. The normal procedure would be: if you have connections, you use them to step in, sit down for a meal, have a chat, and the matter is settled. It wouldn't affect your future, and Section Chief Qu would just find another way. But if you don't have those connections... well, once your probationary period is over, he’ll start making your life miserable, forcing you to request a transfer, or he’ll report that you aren't suitable for the County Government Office, and then have you reassigned to clear the spot..."

As Li Boyang spoke, both Li Xiuyuan and Wang Zhitao stared in wide-eyed shock. For Wang, it was genuine surprise; he had sensed Qu’s hostility that morning but didn't know why. He hadn't expected it to be this serious.

For Li Xiuyuan, however, this was somewhat expected. Most of his shock was an act. He knew that the County Government Office wasn't like a township office—it was the heart of the county. Every position was guarded, and surviving in such an environment was no simple task.

"Brother Li, I feel like Section Chief Qu is actually a pretty good guy. Isn't that going a bit too far?" Wang Zhitao asked tentatively.

Li Boyang sneered. "What do you know? 'Too far'? That’s just the mildest tactic I can think of; Qu is likely capable of much worse. Think about it: all the effort and favors he spent to grease those wheels, only to have his plans thwarted by a sudden appointment. Do you really think he’s going to take that lying down?"

"And look closer: last year, when our unit gave out awards, did you get one? Who got the two spots for our Comprehensive Section? One went to someone from your same batch who has the backing of a Deputy Magistrate—that’s expected. But the other? Qu Hui took it for himself. He’s already a Section Chief; why is he competing with his subordinates for that award? And I can tell you, he’s taken that 'Outstanding Individual' award for three years in a row..."

Wang Zhitao was left stunned, having never considered these things before.

Li Boyang downed another glass and patted Li Xiuyuan on the shoulder. "You can take what I said to heart, or you can treat it as a joke, but once we step out of this room, I’m not admitting to any of it. Do you know why he told you to ask me whenever you don't understand something? It's because I’ve already given up. I don't care anymore. As long as I do my job, I’m indifferent to the rest, and I have no desire to teach anyone anything. That’s exactly what Section Chief Qu is banking on—that you won't learn a single thing. Of course, this might just be my own speculation..."

The meal ended. None of the three men had actually drunk that much, but they all felt a bit tipsy, though for different reasons.

Li Boyang’s intoxication was fueled by pent-up resentment; Wang Zhitao’s by the shock of what he had heard; and Li Xiuyuan’s by a heavy heart.

It was only his first day on the job, and his first problem wasn't a professional challenge, but a fight for survival—how to keep his superior from kicking him out and how to hold onto his position in the County Government Office before he was cast aside.

Li Xiuyuan stood at the door, watching Li Boyang and Wang Zhitao leave, before wandering home alone, pondering his next move.

Li Boyang’s advice was simple: if he had connections, Qu wouldn't dare bully him. But he had no connections. Once his probation ended and Qu figured out his situation, he would surely be kicked out. It felt as if his career in the County Government Office had started with a countdown timer.